Kyphosis - Information on Curved Spine

Kyphosis is a progressive spinal disorder which causes a curved spine, resulting in a "humpback" or "hunchback". It is a general disorder, which can be further defined into several subcategories, such as hyperkyphosis or sharp angular Gibbus Deformity.

Hyperkyphosis refers to an excessive curvature which exceeds the normal range. It is nearly always found in the thoracic portion of the spine, and is commonly caused by the effects of osteoporosis in adults. The effects of hyperkyphosis usually tend to result in a more gradual curvature.

Gibbus Deformity is a form of structural kyphosis, and is more pronounced than hyperkyphosis. In this condition, the posterior curve takes on a sharp angle. The angle may become more pronounced when bending forward.

Kyphosis can be separated into two main categories: postural and structural.

Postural

Postural kyphosis is normally a less-severe condition, and can usually be corrected easier. It is usually attributed to poor posture, or spine fractures caused by trauma or osteoporosis. Mild cases can normally be corrected by the patient, sometimes with the help of a brace.

Structural

Structural kyphosis is most often more severe, and may very well require medical intervention. This is an abnormality affecting the bones, intervertebral discs, nerves, ligaments, or muscles of the spine. The two most common forms of structural kyphosis are congenital and Scheuermann's Disease.

Congenital kyphosis is defined as a spinal curvature abnormality existing at birth.

Scheuermann's Disease is commonly described as juvenile kyphosis. It is usually noticed between the ages of 12 and 15. the cause of this disease is unknown, but some experts speculate that it may be familial. The normal definition of Scheuermann's Disease is an abnormal thoracic curvature which causes anterior vertebral wedging of at least 5° and involving at least 3 consecutive vertebrae.

Treatment

Mild to moderate postural kyphosis can usually be corrected through exercises or physical therapy. Strengthening the paravertebral muscles and making a conscious effort to correct poor posture commonly yields successful results.

Structural and severe postural kyphosis requires higher levels of medical intervention. Anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed by a doctor in order to relieve any pain associated with the condition. Treatment is determined by age of the patient, degree of the curve, curve progression and several other factors which are specific to the patient. For patients under the age of 16, braces are usually recommended, and can correct the condition much of the time.

Your spine surgeon in Chennai may recommend surgery if the angle of the spine is severe, you are experiencing neurological symptoms, and/or you are experiencing excessive pain that other methods cannot relieve. 

Back Pain: Relief Measures

Back Pain Relief comes through various therapies that provide much needed comfort to the back. Muscle strain is the primary cause of back pain. The integral part of our back, the spine, is held up by large paired muscles and their inflammation causes back pain and a significant stiffness. Commonly, muscle strain is caused by, sudden movement, heavy lifting, and awkward fall, or a sports injury. The various massaging therapies target the muscles and get rid of all the strain in them.

The massage therapy is primarily used to give back pain relief. Though the therapy is very popular, some care should be taken when you use massage therapy. It is essential that the spasm in the muscle relaxes, with the application of pressure by the massage therapist; if it does not relax then it might be because there is an inflammation present. In this case massage would not help and patients are advised to consult their doctor for proper treatment of the inflammation.

One of the quickest and easiest massages therapies for patients who want back pain relief is ice massage therapy. It is free and has the ability to provide significant back pain relief. When an ice massage is applied to an area of inflammation or swelling it numbs the sore tissues, thus acting like a local anesthetic. 

But, to see the best results, the therapy must be applied soon after the injury as the cold makes the veins in the tissue contract, thus reducing circulation. When the cold is removed blood rushes to the area when the veins dilate and overcompensate, thus bringing the necessary nutrients to the affected parts allowing them to heal.

You can only get back pain relief if you are judicious in application of ice to the affected area. You should never applying ice directly to the skin, but must use a cloth like the towel to act as a barrier between the ice and skin. 

Moreover you must apply ice for a limited time only, with 15-20 minutes sufficing for one treatment. A history of patient's illnesses must be taken into account before the application of ice; and if you are suffering for paralysis, Raynaud's Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and cold allergic conditions then you must stay away from an ice massage therapy.

Though the massage treatment gives back pain relief almost instantaneously, muscle spasms mostly require four massage treatments spread over the course of six weeks to give complete back pain relief. But, a word of caution: Before beginning massage therapy, it is advisable to be checked by best neuro surgeon in Chennai.

Non-Surgical Vs Minimally-Invasive Surgical Pain Treatment

Options for non-surgical vs. surgical pain treatment exist for millions of people suffering from chronic pain. Chronic pain, unfortunately, affects 9% of the population in India, according to the best neurosurgeon in chennai. 

With this large percentage of people suffering on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, there are plenty of options for treating pain, and the APS and other organizations exist in the US to help people, physicians and the patients, find solutions. A study by the APS titled "Chronic Pain in India: Roadblocks to Relief" defines chronic pain as severe and ever present among middle aged to senior citizens and is more prevalent among women than men. 

A third of these people describe the pain as being more constant as opposed to flaring up with two thirds of them suffering for more than five years. Chronic pain impacts the sufferer in their lifestyle in ways such as their sleeping habits, exercise, ability to concentrate, function at work and home and emotionally in ways that they are unable to cope and have depression.

While there are many solutions to addressing this pain, each individual will react differently to various forms of treatment and the two obvious categories for solving the pain dilemma are non-surgical and surgical pain treatment. Since most people wait at least six months before seeing a physician because they feel it is not serious enough, according to the APS study, the pain has escalated to new levels and is more difficult to treat.

Non-surgical Pain Treatment

Most accredited physicians will prescribe surgical treatment only unless it's necessary. Some patients will take any form of treatment to erase the pain, and methods for non-surgical treatment are available. Medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics and prescription drugs, are the most popular method to treat the pain. 

A pain management physician, an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist would be a more effective specialist to see for chronic pain as these specialties can look for the proper diagnosis and treatment of such pain. A hot/cold pack is an additional non-surgical treatment that patients will turn to for relief, and the APS study revealed that the non-medicinal therapies provided more relief than the OTC medicines. Massage, physical therapy involving stretching and muscle build-up, joint mobilization, traction, back supports, electrical nerve stimulation and proper rest can all come into play for non-surgical pain treatment.

Minimally-invasive Surgical Pain Treatment

Surgical pain treatment does not necessarily mean full anesthesia and a huge incision. Minimally-invasive surgical techniques and steroid and anesthetic injections can be performed at a physician's office or outpatient center with the patient going home within a few hours of treatment. Minimally invasive spinal fusion corrects congenital deformities such as scoliosis, with a goal to strengthen the spine and alleviate irritated nerves.

Kyphoplasty treats spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis, cancer or hypothyroidism, and uses orthopaedic balloons and bone cement to strengthen the spine. Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is another type of treatment that heats a needle to a high temperature and inserted into a catheter in a patient with a bulging vertebral disk in the back. The heat strengthens the wall of the disk, to reduce the pressure on the nerve. Vertebroplasty is used on a back with spinal degeneration in which the disc has broken down. Bone cement is injected into the vertebra and stabilizes the bone.

Surgical Pain Treatment

If surgery is warranted, depending on the diagnosis and condition of the patient, some of the procedures considered would be discectomy, a laminectomy, disc replacement or more invasive spinal fusion.

As with any treatment for chronic pain, a qualified physician will be compassionate in addressing the pain and will prescribe non-surgical or surgical pain treatment that will provide relief.